Sean: I Will Give Folks A Big Day Out

Feb 3 2008 By Bill Mcintyre

SEAN DILLON has vowed to get into the CIS Cup Final at the second time of asking - after last week's storms left his parents' trip over to Scotland a total washout.

The Dundee United full-back had invited mum Linda and dad Mick, a sergeant major in the Irish army, over to see the showpiece match at Tynecastle.

But they were left frustrated when bad weather meant the pitch was unplayable and the game was put back a week.

Dublin-born Dillon's parents will now miss out on the chance to see their son play in one of the biggest nights of his life.

So he is doubly keen to make sure he dumps Aberdeen and they have a day out at Hampden to look forward to.

Sean said: "Mum and dad took time off work to come to the game so when it was cancelled it was a nightmare.

"Dad is in the army and mum works as a carer for disabled kids so there's no way they can get over this time.

"They come to Scotland to watch games now and again and I know they were really looking forward to this one.

"However, they still had a wee break here and went home on Wednesday night. "Instead of watching me play in a cup semi we just went out for a few meals and caught up.

"They'd love to see me in a national final at Hampden so I'm desperate to get through this one.

"The only time I have been to Hampden was to get my heart tested when we went for the SFA medical check-ups.

"We had a look inside and I've also seen it on TV so know all about the atmosphere. Just to have the chance to play there is a tremendous incentive. It's a great stadiumfull of history."

Dillon was a double cup and league title winner with Longford Town so has set his sights on adding another medal to his collection. Playing in Europe for Shelbourne has been the highlight of his career to date.

But even though the CIS Cup no longer offers a UEFA Cup place the 24-year-old insists it retains all its prestige.

Sean said: "At Longford we won a few trophies, including the league and League Cup a couple of times. So I am well aware of how good it feels to get success on the big stage.

"The finals were played at Lansdowne Road and there were about 20,000 fans so it was a big occasion.

"This game would rank up there, especially as it's Aberdeen and there is a big rivalry between the fans.

"There may beno European place up for grabs but that does not take anything away from this trophy.

"We want to get into Europe through our league position and win something as well."

Last week's postponement means United will have to cope without Barry Robson who signed for Celtic on deadline day.

Dillon said: "Barry is a big loss. He has been our best player for a while and scored a lot of important goals.

"But we are confident we can cope without him. We have some great attacking players and other lads now have a chance to shine."